Xander teaches private guitar lessons from his studio in downtown Burlington, VT, and online for students worldwide.
He works with students of all levels, tailoring each lesson to the student's interests, goals, and musical development — drawing from decades of experience as a performer, composer, recording artist, and improviser.
SUBJECTS COVERED
Technique & Ergonomics
Improvisation
Composition & Songwriting
Ear training & Transcription
Rhythm Studies
Music Theory
Accompaniment & Ensemble
Reading music
Hindustani Raga & Tala
Practice methods
APPROACH
Beginning students develop a strong technical and musical foundation while learning songs and building creative confidence. More advanced students often focus on improvisation, composition, refinement of technique, and developing a broader musical language.
Xander also incorporates concepts from North Indian Hindustani music, which he has studied with tabla maestro Samir Chatterjee since 2008.
Xander Naylor & Samir Chatterjee • Live in Sikkim, India
BACKGROUND
Experience
25+ years teaching
Education
BFA in Jazz Guitar, The New School • MFA, Goddard College
Past workshops & presentations
The New School • Columbia University • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign • Global Music Institute • Sikkim University — and throughout the U.S. and internationally.
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
"Xander is attentive, creative, and deeply knowledgeable. His lessons helped refine my technique, expand my musical perspective, and push my playing forward.”
— W.S.
"Compared to other teachers I've worked with over the past decade, Xander's approach is unique. He focuses on technique, posture, and musicality all at once.”
— B.Z.
"He knows when to push you and when to adapt when life gets in the way."
— T.W.
"Each lesson feels carefully tailored to what you need as a student."